Exactly what is a home-based Virtual Assistant business?

It’s a business where you work from your home using your computer and phone to communicate with your clients. As a Virtual Assistant (VA), you offer administrative, technical or support services to clients who are typically small business owners, solopreneurs or entrepreneurs.

A successful Virtual Assistant carefully chooses the niche she wants to specialize in and the skills she wants to offer. For example, two Virtual Assistants assisted me with my internet businesses. One specialized in Membergate software (which is where my Lead Booster Club site resided) and one specialized in social media marketing (such as Facebook and Twitter).

How can I be sure there will be a demand for my services?

Demand for Virtual Assistants is growing rapidly. Small businesses and entrepreneurs who need support are discovering that Virtual Assistants can provide it more cost effectively than employees.

To determine if the specific services and skills you want to offer are in high demand, do some research online and offline. I’ll show you how to do this in the Expert VA® Training program.

Do I have to be good at selling myself to do this?

While you do not have to be good at cold call type of selling, you will want to be able to present your skills and services to potential clients. During the Virtual Assistant training, I’ll teach you exactly how to do that without coming across as a pushy salesperson. I’ll teach you questions to ask, when to ask them, and exactly what to say. It’ll be as easy as telling your family about your Virtual Assistant business.

Do I have to have an attorney review my contracts/agreements?

It’s always a good idea to have an attorney review contracts/agreements, however, it’s not always affordable. With each Expert VA® Training lesson, you receive a list of resources. One such resource is a lawyer who sells a complete set of legal forms/contracts/agreements for online businesses at a reasonable rate. Because I am not a lawyer, I do not give legal advice.

What equipment do I need before starting the Expert Virtual Assistant training?

You need the following:

• An up-to-date computer with frequently used software such as Microsoft Office or at least Microsoft Word
• High speed internet access
• Phone with low cost, preferably unlimited, long distance

What other things will I need to spend money on when starting a Virtual Assistant business?

During the Expert VA® Training, I cover exactly what you need to buy, where to buy it and what you should pay for it. In general, here’s what you’ll want to include in your start-up budget. (Prices are estimated):

• Up-to-date computer (Hopefully, you already have this and won’t have to spend any money buying a new one.)
• High speed internet access (about $40 per month)
• Phone with low cost, preferably unlimited, long distance (about $30 per month)
• Website and domain name (Between $600 to have your website set up — unless you can set it up yourself — and $5 to $15 per month for hosting)
• Skills training (If you’re already an expert at the services you want to offer, you won’t need to spend anything. If you aren’t an expert, many skills can be learned for free online. There are a wide variety of Virtual Assistant skills training available online between $100 and $700.)

How much a year can I expect to earn as a Virtual Assistant?

The average North American Virtual Assistant earns $35 to $50 per hour, with some going as low as $25 per hour and as high as $175 per hour. The hourly rate you’ll be able to charge will depend on the type of services you offer, your level of expertise, and your target market. Many successful, full-time Virtual Assistants are able to work an average of 20 billable hours a week, 50 weeks a year, at $50 per hour, thus earning $50,000 a year.

What if I want to earn even more as a VA?

It’s definitely doable! You can earn more by:

• Leveraging your time by working with VA subcontractors or creating a multi-VA team
• Developing on-demand training programs that allow you to get paid while you sleep or are on vacation
• Adding consulting packages
• Helping others achieve more by becoming a coach

Find out how I can help you expand your Virtual Assistant business into the business of your dreams. Apply for your free “More Clients More Profits” Breakthrough Session now.

How many hours a day, a week or a month are required to be successful?

The best way to determine the number of hours you need to work in a month is to figure out how much you want to make each month. Divide that number by your hourly rate. Double that number. That’s the number of hours I recommend you work when starting your Virtual Assistant business. Here’s an example.

Let’s say I want to earn $36,000 a year. That’s an average of $3,000 a month. If I earn $35 per hour, I need to work about 86 billable hours in a month, which is about 22 hours a week. When I double that number, I get 44 hours a week.

Why do I recommend doubling your number of hours? You’ll need to spend the non-billable hours becoming an expert in your areas of specialization, marketing your business and communicating with potential clients.

Do I have to be available to my clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week?

No. I highly recommend setting a work schedule and posting it on your website. That way clients know when you’ll be available. I also recommend checking your email at least once on your day off (or have someone else do that for you) so that you can respond within 24 hours to requests. Exactly how to word your website and how to take vacations without having to check your emails (and without losing clients) is given in the Virtual Expert® Complete Success Program Training.

How do I work with you to create the VA biz of my dreams?

Your first step is to apply for a free “More Clients More Profits” Breakthrough Session. During that call, we’ll determine the best way for you to move forward to achieve your goals.

Have questions not answered here? Contact me. I’m happy to answer all your questions about expanding a Virtual Assistant!